Category: Uncategorized

  • Tokyo in One Day: Akasaka-mitsuke Station & Shibuya

    Tokyo in One Day: Akasaka-mitsuke Station & Shibuya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting Point: Hotel Akasaka Mitsuke
    • 11:10 Depart Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 12:00 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • Asakusa Sensoji Temple
    • Asakusa Shrine
    • Asakusa Shrine Nakamise Shopping Street
    • 13:00 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • Akasaka-mitsuke Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • 13:30 Arrive Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku Tokyo Metropolitan Government Observation Deck
    • 14:30 Depart Tochomae Station
    • Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station
    • (Toei Subway Oedo Line)
    • Shinjuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 14:45 Arrive Harajuku Station
    • Harajuku Meiji Shrine
    • Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • Takeshita Street
    • 16:00 Depart Harajuku Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 16:10 Arrive Shibuya
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • Shibuya Center Street
    • 17:00 Shibuya Station
    • 17:00 Dismissal: Shibuya Station

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America, all visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous night and taken a taxi to their hotel. In the evening, they strolled around the neighborhood and enjoyed sushi nearby for dinner. The group planned to stay in Japan for about two weeks. After spending time in Tokyo, they would travel to Kyoto and Osaka, then return to Tokyo before heading home. They mentioned they would be visiting Disneyland the next day. As it was extremely hot, we took several breaks throughout the tour. We first went to Asakusa, where I explained the history of Senso-ji Temple as well as the history of Edo and Tokyo. There were questions such as, "What kind of philosophy is Buddhism?" "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "Are there people who believe in religions other than Buddhism?" From there, we moved to Shinjuku and enjoyed a view of the city from the observation deck of the Metropolitan Government Building. The guests remarked, "Now we really understand how vast Tokyo is." At Meiji Shrine, the guests said, "This spacious, green environment is wonderful." There were also questions about the Japanese imperial family, such as "What was the Meiji Restoration?" and "Why did the Meiji Restoration happen?" After taking a break and having a light meal at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu, we strolled along Takeshita Street. We then moved to Shibuya, crossed the Scramble Crossing, and took commemorative photos in front of the Hachiko statue. The guests asked, "Is it always this crowded?" and "Why do so many people gather here?" They also commented, "The city is so clean. There is no litter on the streets," "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant," and "The subway is very comfortable." I saw them off at the Ginza Line platform of Shibuya Station, where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayAkasaka-mitsuke Station~Asakusa Station209JPY
    Section 2SubwayAsakusa Station~Shinjuku Station252JPY
    Section 3SubwayShinjuku-nishiguchi Station~Tochomae Station178JPY
    Section 4SubwayTochomae Station~Shinjuku-nishiguchi Station178JPY
    Section 5TrainShinjuku Station~Harajuku Station146JPY
    Section 6SubwayHarajuku Station~Shibuya Station146JPY
    Total1,109JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:00 Meeting Matsui Main Building
    • 2. 10:15 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
    • 3. 10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove-Nonomiya Shrine-Ogura Pond (Lotus Pond + Mikami Shrine)
    • 4. 11:30 Arashiyama Kameyama Park-Oigawa Riverside
    • 5. 12:15 Lunch Hanamakiya (soba specialty restaurant, Kinkakuji-michi)
    • 6. 13:00 Kinkakuji
    • 7. 14:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
    • 8. 15:40 Dismissal Shijo Takakura (in front of Daimaru) bus stop

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace The guests were a family visiting from North America. They were all visiting Japan for the first time, stopping over on their way back home. The guests had a strong interest in Asian culture, Japanese pop culture, Japanese history, and Japanese cuisine, which led them to include Japan in their journey. Before setting out, we discussed the day's itinerary in person, and we ultimately visited the famous bamboo grove of Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji in western Kyoto, stopping by the Kyoto Imperial Palace on the way back. Due to time constraints, after providing guidance on visiting Kiyomizu-dera, strolling through the Higashiyama area, and Gion, we exchanged smiles and handshakes and said our goodbyes at the Shijo Takakura bus stop (in front of Daimaru). The guests seemed especially impressed by the classic Japanese garden at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShijo Takakura (in front of Daimaru)~Arashiyama1,100JPY
    Section 2TrainArashiyama~Kitano Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 3Free PassKitano Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassKinkakuji-mae~Kitaoji Bus Terminal0JPY
    Section 5Free PassKitaoji~Imadegawa0JPY
    Section 6Free PassImadegawa~Shijo0JPY
    Total1,350JPY

    Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

    Jul 30, 2026
    amydJ3030YT
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…

    Mar 20, 2026
    moisessG5827VE
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
    Masaaki Tanaka was an…

    Jun 16, 2025
    896nataliex
    Amazing Kyoto
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…

    Apr 23, 2025
    Simon S
    Enjoyable and informative
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
    The service was friendly…

  • Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 9:00 Meet up @The Thousand Kyoto
    • 2. 9:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 3. 11:00 @Arashiyama
    • 4. 12:45 @Kinkaku-ji
    • 5. 14:30 Lunch @Katsukura
    • 6. 15:15 @Teramachi Shopping Street
    • 7. 16:40 Disperse @Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from a Licensed Guide's Perspective? A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Report Because of privacy rules, I was not given the guests' direct contact details and could only communicate through the agency, which made me a little anxious. On the morning of the tour, the guests arrived on time, which was a great relief. Having already visited more than enough temples and shrines in Tokyo, the guests said they did not need to see too many more. I explained that they should at least see Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Kinkaku-ji, and since they agreed, I took them there. They were very glad they had followed my suggestion. They were especially overwhelmed by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji. Since one of the guests wanted to buy a yukata and haori, I took the group to Teramachi shopping street, which has many secondhand shops, and we found a haori and yukata that suited them very well. The guests were all very satisfied. Although they had said they did not particularly enjoy shopping, they ended up buying two pairs of made-in-Japan sneakers. As they said they wanted to explore a bit more, we parted ways at Nishiki Market.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
    Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 5TrainKitano-Hakubaicho~Kawaramachi-Sanjo230JPY
    Total1,100JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
    One of the highlights of my trip, perfect for solo…

    Jul 14, 2026
    Elizabeth W
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path Tour, Licensed Guide
    Great tour
    We had a great tour with…

    Jul 11, 2026
    Dianna-fam
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Wonderful Tour, Wonderful Guide!
    My teenage boys and I…

    Jul 1, 2026
    Christian_L
    Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto visite with Yuka : Wow !
    Wow ! Yuka was…

  • Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Hiroshima in One Day: Itsukushima Shrine & Peace Memorial Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:05 Meet at Hiroshima Station
    • 10:20 Itsukushima Shrine
    • 11:20 Civic Center
    • 11:30 Omote-sando street
    • 12:15 Lunch at Chinchikurin
    • 13:45 Peace Memorial Park
    • 15:00 Peace Memorial Museum
    • 16:55 End the tour at Hiroshima station platform

    Title: What Is a Private Summer Day Tour in Japan Like for Overseas Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting from Europe. Despite it being the traditional start of autumn on the Japanese calendar, it was a hot day. When I explained Japan's 24 seasonal divisions (nijushi-sekki), they were very surprised. They had thought they would be fine with the heat since it also gets hot back home, but they said Japan felt even hotter and, without a siesta, it was tough to endure. They mentioned that traveling to Japan is truly a boom in their home region as well. Throughout the tour they often said things like, "Next time I want to do this," and "I plan to go there." In the end, they seem to be looking forward to a return trip in autumn. This time the guests were using a JR Pass, and they were aware that the trains would become very crowded with the upcoming Obon holiday period. After the tour ended, they said they wanted to take an earlier train home, but it was already fully booked, so I guided them to the non-reserved seating platform, and the tour concluded there. One thing I noticed was that the guests did not drink much water during the tour, so I recommended they stay hydrated. They explained that in other countries the restrooms are not as clean as in Japan, so they had gotten into the habit of not drinking much water.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHiroshima~Miyajimaguchi420JPY
    Section 2TrainMiyajimaguchi~Yokogawa330JPY
    Section 3TrainYokogawa~Genbaku Dome-mae220JPY
    Section 4TrainHeiwa Koen-mae~Hiroshima Station Shinkansen Exit220JPY
    Section 5OtherHiroshima Station~Hiroshima Station150JPY
    Total1,340JPY

    Hi. I’m Michi. I’m a national licensed tour guide in English.
    I want to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying.

    I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first tour in English was as a volunteer guide for the visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
    I spent my life in Hiroshima except for 6 years; 1 year in the UK as a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds.
    These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide.

    In Hiroshima, there are two famous World Heritage Sites, the Atomic Bomb Dome in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial & Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
    I have experienced many tours of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum & Park since I was a junior high school student. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud.
    I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. We can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc.

    I am also an official ‘A-bomb legacy successor’ designated by the City of Hiroshima. An A-bomb Legacy Successor is a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. To ensure that the A-bomb survivors’ experiences and desires for peace are faithfully inherited and shared with as many people as possible, the City has started a three-year training program for official ‘A-bomb Legacy Successors. ‘

    Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan!
    Hope to see you soon!

    Jan 2, 2025
    georgeweller
    Excellent tour by a very knowledgeable guide
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima City 4hr Private Walking Tour with Licensed Guide
    Michi-San was an…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew M
    Awesome experience! Michi was the best guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome…

    Nov 8, 2024
    Andrew_M
    Awesome day! Michi was an amazing guide!
    Viator review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Awesome day!…

    Sep 16, 2024
    alexandermM7944BB
    Day tour with Michi
    Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima / Miyajima Full-day Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Michi, our guide, was amazing!…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Hotel Ginza Meeting
    • 10:00 Shimbashi – Omotesando – Meiji Shrine
    • 12:00 Yoyogi Park – Koen-dori – Shibuya PARCO Pokemon Center – Shibuya Crossing
    • 13:30 Lunch @ Hikarie Mansaku
    • 14:00 Shibuya – Asakusa – Senso-ji Temple
    • 15:30 Disband at Shin-Nakamise Shopping Street

    Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Tokyo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Meiji Shrine, Shibuya, and Asakusa The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and we had a lively conversation about the Olympics. Since it was a hot and humid day, I decided to choose cool locations as much as possible, and we first headed from Omotesando to Meiji Shrine. When I introduced Omotesando as the Champs-Élysées of Japan, the guests appreciated the comparison. At Meiji Shrine, we entered the inner garden and enjoyed the lotus flowers. In Shibuya, the guests happily bought plush toys and took photos at the Pokémon Center, which they had wanted to visit. For lunch, I had hoped to introduce a tonkatsu restaurant in Hikarie, but there was unfortunately a long line, so they enjoyed chicken dishes at a nearby Miyazaki cuisine restaurant instead. After that, we went to Asakusa. Since they wanted to buy a yukata, we walked along Shin-Nakamise Street, and this is where we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShimbashi~Omotesando – Shibuya – Asakusa600JPY
    Total600JPY

    Hello! I am Kyoko who has been working as a guide since 2017. I was born in Kyoto. So, my name comes from Kyoto which is Japan’s beautiful ancient capital . And “ko” literally means child in Japanese. Thus, my name Kyoko means Kyoto’s child, Kyoko. But some guests call me Kyoto. It’s okay, not a big problem.
    But to say the truth, I feel like this, ” Am I like an ancient person? No way~!!…” I am mainly guiding in and around Tokyo. Tokyo has two faces of well-advanced and old-fashioned. So, you can enjoy both high-tech technology and historical culture plus delicious food and drinks,too. You will surely be inspired in this city with me. Anyway, looking forward to meeting you in the near future. Thank you in advance!

    Sep 9, 2025
    salanicolas
    Superb Tokyo guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoko was great! Super knowledgeable, a lot of fun,…

    Jun 19, 2025
    josephk547
    A definite must-do when visiting Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Nikko Full-Day Private Walking Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (Tokyo DEP.)
    Absolutely amazing tour…

    May 24, 2025
    sandrashachar
    Terrific Tokyo Tour!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had a fantastic tour of the Asakusa Shrine,…

    May 22, 2025
    andywP8147WV
    Private Guided Tour in Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our wonderful guide Kyoko prepared an excellent…

  • Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet up @ Hotel The Flag Shinsaibashi
    • 2. 9:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha tour
    • 3. 11:30 Gion area tour
    • 4. 12:30 Lunch @ Ichiran
    • 5. 14:00 Kinkaku-ji tour
    • 6. 15:30 Kyoto Station
    • 7. 16:00 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station (Shinkansen ticket gate)

    What Is a Private Osaka-to-Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report I guided a group of guests visiting from Oceania who share a common interest in rugby. We met at their hotel in Osaka, and since they wanted to learn how to travel to places such as Kobe from the nearest subway station (Shinsaibashi Station), we first moved to JR Osaka Station, where I explained the JR lines. After that, we traveled from Osaka Station via Kyoto Station to Inari Station, where I guided them around Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was an extremely hot day and I guided them while sweating, but the guests listened attentively to my explanations, asked questions, and we made our way through the Senbon Torii gates and down Inari Mountain while sharing some jokes along the way. We then moved on to the next destination by train and bus, getting off at Gion Station and touring the Gion area (Hanamikoji, Shirakawa Bridge, Tatsumi Shrine, and more). The guests seemed interested in maiko and geiko, so I explained these in a little more detail. After strolling around Gion, we had lunch at a ramen shop in Nishiki Market. Then we traveled by bus to the next destination, Kinkaku-ji, where I guided them and explained the golden Shariden pavilion shining in gold. Finally, we headed to Nijo Castle, but unfortunately the Ninomaru Palace was closed, so I was regrettably unable to guide them inside. We viewed Nijo Castle from the outside instead, then took the subway to Kyoto Station, where I helped the guests purchase Shinkansen tickets to Shin-Osaka. We said our goodbyes at the central entrance and parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinsaibashi Station~Umeda Station240JPY
    Section 2TrainJR Osaka Station~JR Inari Station860JPY
    Section 3TrainInari Station~Tofukuji Station150JPY
    Section 4BusTofukuji-mae Station~Gion Station230JPY
    Section 5BusShijo Kawaramachi Station~Kinkakuji-michi Station230JPY
    Section 6BusKinkakuji-mae Station~Nijojo-mae Station230JPY
    Section 7SubwayNijojo Station~Kyoto Station260JPY
    Total2,200JPY

    After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
    As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
    And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
    With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

    Apr 26, 2026
    39ferdinandr
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Exceptional and entertaining
    Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

    Apr 9, 2026
    X1429XKclaudiam
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Sehr zu empfehlen
    Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

    Jun 28, 2025
    WilliamAlfonso_R
    Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Toshi was…

    May 30, 2025
    Z
    ZevP5
    Best Tour Guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…

  • Kanagawa: @Hakone Shrine & @Amazake Chaya

    Kanagawa: @Hakone Shrine & @Amazake Chaya

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Meet up @Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa Hakone
    • 9:14 – 9:17 Kami-Gora→Sounzan (Transport: Hakone Cable Car)
    • 9:20 – 9:40 Stay at Sounzan CU-MO (Mailing postcards, etc.)
    • 9:40 – 9:55 Sounzan→Owakudani (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 10:00 – 10:40 Explore Owakudani (Photography, black eggs, etc.)
    • 10:40 – 11:05 Owakudani→Togendai (Transport: Hakone Ropeway)
    • 11:25 – 11:50 Togendai→Hakonemachi Port (Transport: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship))
    • 12:00 – 12:40 Lunch @Cafe Komon
    • 12:45 – 12:48 Hakonemachi Port→Motohakone Port (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 12:55 – 13:00 Motohakone Port→Hakone Shrine (Transport: On foot)
    • 13:00 – 14:10 @Hakone Shrine
    • 14:15 – 14:35 Hakone Shrine→Motohakone Port (Transport: On foot)
    • 15:05 – 15:10 Motohakone Port→Amazake Chaya (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 15:10 – 15:40 @Amazake Chaya
    • 15:40 – 16:21 Amazake Chaya→Hakone-Yumoto (Transport: Hakone Tozan Bus)
    • 16:38 – 17:19 Hakone-Yumoto→Gora (Transport: Hakone Tozan Railway)

    Title: What Is a Private Family Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The younger members of the group were wonderfully energetic and cheerful, the kind of bright presence that naturally brings a smile, and everyone in the group shared that they were enjoying their trip in Japan. At lunch we split into two tables, and it was nice that we were able to share some personal conversations with each other, including everyday topics about life. During the tour I took many photos, and when I sent them through a messaging app, I also shared information about shops in Kyoto, their next destination. From the replies I could feel their gratitude and how much they had enjoyed the day, and I was very glad to have been such a good companion on their journey.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKami-Gora~Sounzan90JPY
    Section 2TrainSounzan~Owakudani1,500JPY
    Section 3FerryTogendai~Hakonemachi Port1,200JPY
    Section 4BusHakonemachi Port~Motohakone Port200JPY
    Section 5BusMotohakone Port~Amazake Chaya320JPY
    Section 6BusAmazake Chaya~Hakone-Yumoto710JPY
    Section 7TrainHakone-Yumoto~Gora460JPY
    Total4,480JPY

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    May 31, 2026
    Carol_S
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great way to start a trip
    Hidecki reached out a couple of…

    May 7, 2026
    Alain_V
    Viator review: Yokohama 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

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  • Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: Tokyo National Museum & Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:20 Meet up @ Hotel Tokyo
    • 10:10 Tokyo National Museum
    • 11:40 Ameyoko
    • 12:30 Lunch @ Asakusa Nadai Ramen Yoroiya
    • 13:20 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:30 Meiji Shrine
    • 15:20 Takeshita Street
    • 16:10 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 16:30 Disband @ Shibuya

    What Can You See on a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo, they planned to join a cruise tour departing from Yokohama. Based on the guests' request, we visited the Tokyo National Museum. Some of the guests were very interested in Japanese culture and commented, "It was wonderful to be able to learn about Japanese history and culture." At Ameyoko and Takeshita Street, the guests showed interest in shops selling Japanese goods and clothing. At Meiji Shrine and Sensoji Temple, they listened attentively to explanations about the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. Since the guests wanted to shop on their own in Shibuya before returning to their hotel, we parted ways in Shibuya. I responded exactly as the guests wished, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShimbashi~Ueno170JPY
    Section 2SubwayUeno~Asakusa600JPY
    Section 3SubwayAsakusa~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 4TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Total920JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
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    stacy_grana
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    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
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  • Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Mt. Fuji Five Lakes Customized Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:30 Kawaguchiko Station – 11:30 Mt. Fuji 5th Station – 13:40 Mt. Fuji World Heritage Center – 15:10 Ide Brewery – 16:20 Dismissal at Ide Brewery

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour to Mount Fuji's 5th Station Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. The trip to Japan was realized at the wish of one of the guests, who arranged most of the tour itinerary. After the tour, a report was to be submitted to a school and considered for a national-level award, so the tour also involved supporting the collection of materials at the places visited. Things went smoothly up to the 5th Station of Mount Fuji and the Mount Fuji World Heritage Centre, but when it was time to head to the bus stop, we were caught in a sudden evening downpour, and the bus apparently passed by ahead of schedule. I negotiated with the bus company to arrange a company vehicle so the tour could continue. However, the bus fare for that portion was still paid.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusKawaguchiko Station~Mt. Fuji 5th Station2,800JPY
    Section 2BusMt. Fuji World Heritage Center~Kawaguchiko Station180JPY
    Total2,980JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
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    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
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    Oct 11, 2025
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    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
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  • Tokyo in One Day: @ Yamamoto-tei

    Tokyo in One Day: @ Yamamoto-tei

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ Asakusa Station Exit A1 (Meeting moved to 8:20 due to guest's delay)
    • 8:25 – 9:00 @ Sensoji Temple (Kaminarimon Gate, Nakamise, Hozomon Gate, Sensoji Temple)
    • 9:27 – 10:09 Asakusa → Shibamata (Transfer: Asakusa → Keisei Takasago (Toei Asakusa Line) → Shibamata (Keisei Kanamachi Line)
    • 10:10 – 11:00 @ Taishakuten approach and Taishakuten Temple visit
    • 11:10 – 11:45 @ Yamamoto-tei
    • 11:55 – 12:27 Shibamata → Higashi-Ginza (Transfer: Keisei Kanamachi Line, Toei Asakusa Line)
    • 12:33 – 12:35 Higashi-Ginza → Tsukiji (Transfer: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line)
    • 12:45 – 14:20 @ Tsukiji Market (Tour and lunch)
    • 14:34 – 14:43 Tsukiji → Tokyo (Transfer: Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line)
    • 15:10 Dismissal @ Tokyo Station Shinkansen platform

    Can You Do a Private Group Tour of Tokyo and Shibamata? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from North America. At the guests' request, the tour started not with a hotel pickup but with a meeting point in Asakusa. Because the group was large, taking photos at each spot tended to require extra time, so this is a point to keep in mind. The guests seemed to find the omikuji (fortune-telling paper) experience at Sensoji Temple enjoyable, and everyone took part in drawing one. After Sensoji, from the candidates I had proposed — Meiji Shrine and Taishakuten — the guests chose Taishakuten, so we visited Taishakuten. One of the guests who had drawn a "bad luck" fortune at Sensoji tried again with the "lion dance omikuji" at Taishakuten, and drew the very best fortune, which delighted everyone. After visiting Yamamoto-tei, we moved on to Tsukiji. Since they had mentioned wanting to eat sushi during our earlier conversations, we went into a sushi restaurant, but they felt there was nothing there for them to eat, so they only had drinks and then had lunch at the food court "Uogashi Shokudo." The sushi menu was a bit disappointing, but overall I think they were pleased, which I was glad about. Point for reflection: When tourists say "I like sushi" or "I eat sushi," do not take it at face value; show them the specific menu (photos and prices) in advance to confirm. A conveyor-belt-style sushi place might actually be better, as it tends to offer a wider variety of menu options. Request: Just before the tour, there was a request to change the number of guests from 10 to 11, and although I replied by email with a CC to [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) asking them to confirm, the page for this booking still lists 10 guests. Does this change in the number of guests have no effect on the pricing?

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa~Keisei Takasago Station380JPY
    Section 2TrainKeisei Takasago Station~Shibamata Station150JPY
    Section 3TrainShibamata~Keisei Takasago150JPY
    Section 4TrainKeisei Takasago Station~Higashi-Ginza420JPY
    Section 5TrainHigashi-Ginza~Tsukiji180JPY
    Section 6TrainTsukiji~Tokyo180JPY
    Total1,460JPY

    I registered as a national guide in February 2015 and began working as an interpreter guide in 2019. I have been guiding throughout Tokyo (I was born and raised in Setagaya and went to elementary and junior high school in Aoyama, Minato-ku. I am familiar with sightseeing spots and gourmet food in this area, including Shibuya), and I now live in Kanagawa (Yokohama where I have lived more than 30 years, and Kamakura, Odawara, Hakone)
    I worked for the Japanese branch of an American advertising company for over 30 years and, thus, have deep knowledge of marketing and branding.
    My hobbies are travel (domestic and international) and bicycling (I have participated in the Tour de Okinawa citizens’ race every year since 2017. I ride approx. 7,000 kilometers a year). When traveling in Japan, I enjoy traditional crafts, local products, food, and sake from each region. I am also active in a band as a third hobby, performing live once a year for ten years.
    As a guide, I mainly guide small groups (about 4-5 people), where I can communicate more closely and politely with them, rather than large groups.
    My activity aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese traditional culture and the Japanese people among foreign visitors and to make a small contribution to making Japan the number one country to revisit in their hearts.

    May 31, 2026
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    Belle visite
    Merci beaucoup à notre guide Ideaki qui nous a permis…

    Apr 16, 2026
    Julia_S
    Viator review: Kamakura Private Tour from Yokohama with Guide and Vehicle
    Excellent Guide made for an Excellent Tour
    We enjoyed our…

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